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Range extension for Duttaphrynus kotagamai (Amphibia: Bufonidae) and a preliminary checklist of herpetofauna from the Uda Mliboda Trail in Samanala Nature Reserve, Sri Lanka
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INDIKA PEABOTUWAGE, 2,4I. NUWAN BANDARA, *3DINAL SAMARASINGHE, 3NIRMALA PERERA, 3 MAJINTHA MADAWALA, 2,4CHAMARA AMARASINGHE, 5H. K. DUSHANTHA KANDAMBI, AND 3,5 D. M. S. SURANJAN KARUNARATHNA
Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, SRI LANKA 2Youth Exploration Society of Sri Lanka, PO Box 82, Gannoruwa, SRI LANKA 3Young Zoologists Association, Department of National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala 10350, SRI LANKA 4Ellangaawa Unity care for Community & Nature, No: 1/112, Hapugoda, Ambatenna 20136, SRI LANKA 5Nature Exploration & Education Team, B-1/G-6, De Soysapura Flats, Moratuwa 10400, SRI LANKA
Abstract.Uda Mliboda Trail is an unstudied, remarkable forest located in the northwest region of Samanala Nature Reserve (SNR) in Sri Lankas wet zone. Here we report the first record of D. kotagamai from Uda Mliboda Trail and the lowest elevation records of four highland Rhacophorid frogs: Pseudophilautus alto, P. asankai, P. femoralis, and Taruga eques. Further, we present results of a preliminary study of herpetofaunal diversity in Uda Mliboda Trail. Thirty-four amphibian (26 endemic and 19 Threatened) and 59 reptile (32 endemic and 19 Threatened) species were observed. This wet zone forest supports high herpetofaunal diversity; however activities such as deforestation, human encroachment, mining, agriculture, dumping, road construction, and a hydroelectric power station threaten the ecology of this biologically diverse forest. Key words. Amphibians, awareness, conservation, Duttaphrynus, global biodiversity hotspot, Pseudophilautus, reptiles, Sri Lanka, threatened, wet zone
Citation: Peabotuwage I, Bandara IN, Samarasinghe D, Perera N, Madawala M, Amarasinghe C, Kandambi HKD, Karunarathna DMSS. 2012. Range extension for Duttaphrynus kotagamai (Amphibia: Bufonidae) and a preliminary checklist of herpetofauna from the Uda Mliboda Trail in Samanala Nature Reserve, Sri Lanka. Amphibian and Reptile Conservation 5(2):52-64(e38).
Introduction
Western Ghats and Sri Lanka have collectively been designated a global biodiversity hotspot (Mittermeier et al. 2004; Myers et al. 2000). Favorable environmental factors such as high rainfall, humidity, and a high density of undergrowth vegetation in this region have assisted in sustaining regional diversity and distinctness (Bossuyt et al. 2005; Gunawardene et al. 2007). Sri Lanka comprises the smaller portion of the hotspot, with a total land area of 65,610 km2. Despite its small size, the region has a spectacular assemblage of amphibians and reptiles. Recent molecular studies on amphibians (Rhacophorids and Caecilians) and Uropeltid snakes have shown that Sri Lanka has maintained a fauna distinct from the Indian mainland (Bossuyt et al. 2004; Meegaskumbura et al. 2002; Pethiyagoda 2005), yet these subregions are separated only by about 300 kilometers (direct distance). Of Sri Lankas three major climatic zones (wet, intermediate, and dry) the wet zone harbors a significantly high level of herpetofaunal diversity and endemism (Bambaradeniya et al. 2003; Senanayake et al. 1977; Wijesinghe and Dayawansa 2002). The wet zone receives abundant rainfall (annual average 3,000 mm), has considerable forest cover, and maintains favorable humidity and temperatures to support such high herpetofaunal diversity. Previous studies have noted that some herpetofaunal species as well as the wet zone forests themselves are threatened due to a variety of human activities (e.g., IUCN-SL and MENR-SL 2007). Many wet zone forests have yet to be studied. Uda Mliboda in the Kegalle district (Sabaragamuwa Province) is one such unstudied wet zone forest. Kotagamas dwarf toad (Duttaphrynus kotagamai) is endemic and Endangered and is one of the rarest bufonids in Sri Lanka (De Silva 2009). Originally described from the Sinharaja World Heritage Site in 1994 by Prithiviraj Fernando and Nihal Dayawansa (Fernando et al. 1994) this toad is known only from the Kitulgala, Massena, Erathna, and Delwala forest areas (Dutta and Manamendra-Arachchi 1996; Goonatilake and Goonati-
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Peabotuwage et al. lake 2001). It favors a few primary lowland rain forests in the wet zone with elevations below 1,070 m (IUCNSL 2011). According to Manamendra-Arachchi and Pethiyagoda (2006) the holophoront (USNM 311595 H) has been lost from the National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C. (USA). Herein we describe new localities and a range extension for D. kotagamai from a lowland rain forest in the northwestern boundary of the Samanala Nature Reserve (SNR) and further provide a preliminary checklist of herpetofauna from the Uda Mliboda Forest area. and then released back to the original capture site without injury. Species nomenclature was based on Frost et al. (2006), Kotaki et al. (2010), Sumida et al. (2007), and Senaratna (2001), and conservation status was evaluated on the IUCN-SL and MENR-SL (2007).
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Subcanopy
Climbers
Understory
light markings; ventral surface whitish mottled with dark brown, especially over sternum. Eleven D. kotagamai were encountered during our survey. These toads were only found in primary forest and absent from human-disturbed areas. Except for one specimen, all were found within ~10 m of a small stream. (Fig. 3), and all but four individuals were observed at night. Three individuals from Uda Mliboda measured: two males SVL 32.6 mm, 35.2 mm, and a female SVL 38.5 mm. We also found D. kotagamai in another previously unknown locality on an adjacent mountain in Deraniyagala in Kegalle district (Table 2). This mountain is located about five km north of Uda Mliboda. There are no previous records of D. kotagamai from the Uda Mliboda Trail (SNR; see De Silva 2009; Dutta and Manamendra-Arachchi 1996; IUCN-SL 2011; Manamendra-Arachchi and Pethiyagoda 2006; Goonatilake and Goonatilake 2001). The Uda Mliboda locality is approximately six km (direct distance) from Eratne (Kuru river basin), the nearest published location. The direct distance between the onymotope and the new location is about 80 km. All of these areas have closed canopies with wet and cool habitats (Fig. 4).
Figure 2. View of forest in Uda Maliboda (larger water resource in the SNR).
Amphib. Reptile Conserv. | http://redlist-ARC.org 054 January 2012 | Volume 5 | Number 2 | e38
Peabotuwage et al. Based on the infrequent calls heard during our survey periods this species is presumably rare in Uda Mliboda. It is aggressive when handled and releases a lowpitched distress call crick, crick, crick. With two new locations and a subsequent range extension, we can trace the probable distribution of D. kotagamai prior to fragmentation. The new locations indicate a larger distribution than previously concluded. As a result of severe fragmentation and habitat degradation in the area, local extinctions of previous populations have likely occurred in the past with current populations known only from a few isolated primary forest patches.
Herpetofaunal diversity
During the study we encountered 34 amphibian species representing 15 genera and seven families (Table 3). Among those genera Adenomus, Lankanectes, Nannophrys, and Taruga are endemic to Sri Lanka. Our results show that at least 31% of Sri Lankas extant amphibians occur in the Uda Mliboda area (Fig. 5). Twentysix of the 34 species encountered (76%) are endemic, five (14%) are considered Near Threatened, four (11%) are Vulnerable, and ten (29%) are classified as Endangered (IUCN-SL and MENR-SL 2007). Families with the greatest number of endemic species include Rhacophoridae (16 species) and Dicroglossidae (six species), while the family Ichthyophiidae, Ranidae (two species each) and Nyctibatrachidae (one species) show the lowest rates of endemism. When considering the 34 species by their primary mode of living, 15 (44.1%) were arboreal, 10 (29.4%) terrestrial, seven (20.6%) aquatic, and two (5.9%) fossorial species. Most amphibian species observed after brief periods of rain since many species frequently use temporary pools created by these showers. Two large streams course forest acting as barriers that restrict some species to particular habitats. Among the most commonly encountered amphibians were Pseudophilautus folicola, found on low growing woody vegetation near water bodies under closed canopy, and Fejervarya kirtisinghei, occurred near water bodies lacking canopy. Four Endangered and endemic highland species: P. alto (1,890-2,135 m elevation), P. asankai (810-1,830 m), P. femoralis (1,6002,135 m), and Taruga eques (1,750-2,300 m; Manamendra-Arachchi and Pethiyagoda 2006) were encountered at this study site, approximately 700 m elevation (lowest elevation ever recorded for these species). We report a range extension for Pseudophilautus sarasinorum, an Endangered species previously known only from the following localities: Peradeniya (0716 N, 8037 E; Onymotope); Bogawanthalawa-Balangoda road (near 25th km post), elevation 1,300 m (0645 N, 802 E); Corbetts Gap, elevation 1,000 m (0722 N, 8050 E); Hunnasgiriya, elevation 367 m (0723 N, 8041 E); Agra Arboretum, elevation 1,555 m (0650
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Figure 4. Inside forest: tall trees, mixed vegetation with good leaf litter.
N, 8040 E; Manamendra-Arachchi and Pethiyagoda 2005). Sumida et al. (2007) suggested the Sri Lankan population of F. limnocharis (in Dutta and ManamendraArachchi 1996; Manamendra-Arachchi and Pethiyagoda 2006) could be F. syhadrensis. However, recent molecular evidence revealed the Sri Lankan population of F. cf. syhadrensis is a separate and unnamed population belonging to a unique clade, together with F. granosa and F. pierrei (Kotaki et al. 2010). Therefore, we refrain from referring to the third Fejervarya species in Sri Lanka as F. limnocharis (in Dutta and Manamendra-Arachchi 1996; Manamendra-Arachchi and Pethiyagoda 2006) and instead refer it to as F. cf. syhadrensis. Fifty-nine species of reptiles representing 37 genera from 11 families were recorded during these surveys (Table 4). Among those genera Aspidura, Balanophis, Ceratophora, Cercaspis, Haplocercus, Lankascincus, Lyriocephalus, and Nessia are considered endemic to Sri Lanka. Twenty-eight percent of Sri Lankas extant
reptiles were recorded in the study area (Fig. 5) including 28 species of lizards and 31 species of snakes. Of these 59 reptile species 32 (54%) are endemic, six (10%) Data Deficient, ten (17%) Near Threatened, five (8%) Vulnerable, and four (7%) Endangered (IUCN-SL and MENR-SL 2007). Families with the greatest species representation include Colubridae (17 species), Scincidae (11 species), and Gekkonidae (nine species), while the least represented family were Cylindrophidae, Pythonidae, and Typhlopidae (one species each). The highest number of endemic species were in the family Scincidae (nine species) and Colubridae (seven species), while the lowest number were in Cylindrophidae, Elapidae, and Typhlopidae (one species each). When considering the 59 species by primary mode of living: 24 (40.7%) were terrestrial, 21 (35.6%) arboreal, 11 (18.6%) fossorial, and three (5.1%) aquatic species. Among the reptiles, Otocryptis wiegmanni, Lankascincus greeri, Dendrelaphis schokari, and Hypnale zara were the most commonly encountered species in and around footpaths. One unidentified species from the genus Cyrtodactylus was recorded during this survey and may be new to science. Several species of lizards (Cnemaspis scalpensis, C. silvula, Hemiphyllodactylus typus, Eutropis beddomii, and Varanus bengalensis) and snakes (Boiga beddomei, Cercaspis carinatus, Haplocercus ceylonensis, Aspidura guentheri, Balanophis ceylonensis, and Typhlops mirus) are noteworthy records. The Uda Mliboda forest area also supports three highly venomous snakes: Bungarus ceylonicus (Sri Lanka krait), Daboia russelii (Russells viper), and Naja naja (Indian cobra). Hence, both venomous and non-venomous snakes are frequently killed in this area due to fear and ignorance as a precautionary measure against snakebites. We failed to record any turtle species in the area, possibly due to low water temperatures in streams.
Figure 5. Comparison of amphibian (left) and reptile (right) diversity of Uda Mliboda area with rest of the Sri Lankan species (Abbreviations: NOSL total number of species in Sri Lanka; NOU total number of species in Uda Mliboda; ENSL number of endemic species to Sri Lanka; ENU number of endemic species in Uda Mliboda; TRSL number of threatened species in Sri Lanka and TRU number of threatened species in Uda Mliboda).
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Table 3. Checklist of amphibian species in the Uda Mliboda area (Abbreviations: E endemic; EN Endangered; VU Vulnerable; NT Near Threatened).
Family and species name Bufonidae Adenomus kelaartii Duttaphrynus kotagamai Duttaphrynus melanostictus Microhylidae Kaloula taprobanica Microhyla rubra Ramanella nagaoi Ramanella obscura Nyctibatrachidae Lankanectes corrugatus Dicroglossidae Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis Euphlyctis hexadactylus Fejervarya kirtisinghei Fejervarya cf. syhadrensis Hoplobatrachus crassus Nannophrys ceylonensis Rhacophoridae Pseudophilautus abundus Pseudophilautus alto Pseudophilautus asankai Pseudophilautus cavirostris Pseudophilautus femoralis Pseudophilautus folicola Pseudophilautus hoipolloi Pseudophilautus popularis Pseudophilautus reticulatus Pseudophilautus rus Pseudophilautus sarasinorum Pseudophilautus sordidus Pseudophilautus stictomerus Polypedates cruciger Taruga eques Taruga longinasus Ranidae Hylarana aurantiaca Hylarana temporalis Ichthyophiidae Ichthyophis glutinosus Ichthyophis pseudangularis Common yellow-band caecilian E Lesser yellow-band caecilian E, VU Small wood frog VU Common wood frog E, NT Labugagama shrub frog E Horton plains shrub frog E, EN Asankas shrub frog E, EN Hollow snouted shrub frog E, EN Leafnesting shrub frog E, EN Leaf dwelling shrub frog E, EN Anthropogenic shrub frog E Common shrub frog E Reticulated-thigh shrub frog E, EN Kandiyan shrub frog E, NT Mullers shrub frog E, EN Grubby shrub frog E, NT Orange-canthal shrub frog E, NT Common hour-glass tree frog E Mountain tree frog E, EN Long-snout tree frog E, EN Skipper frog Sixtoe green frog Montain paddy field frog E Common paddy field frog Jerdons bull frog Sri Lanka rock frog E, VU Corrugated water frog E Common bull frog Red narrow mouth frog Nagaos pugsnout frog E, VU Green-brown pugsnout frog E, NT Kelaarts dwarf toad E Kotagamas dwarf toad E, EN Common house toad Common name
Common name
Common name
Dendrelaphis schokari Haplocercus ceylonensis Lycodon aulicus Lycodon striatus Oligodon calamarius Oligodon sublineatus Ptyas mucosa Sibynophis subpunctatus Natricidae Amphiesma stolatum Aspidura guentheri Balanophis ceylonensis Atretium schistosum Xenochrophis asperrimus Typhlopidae Typhlops mirus Elapidae
Common bronze back E Black spine snake E, DD Common wolf snake Shaws wolf snake Templetons kukri snake E, VU Dumeruls kuki snake E Rat snake Jerdons polyodent
Lyre-head lizard E, NT Sri Lankan kangaroo lizard E, NT Gannoruva day gecko E, DD Forest day gecko Forest gecko sp. Spotted bowfinger gecko E, NT Four-claw gecko Slender gecko EN Kandyan gecko
E E
Buff striped keelback Fergusons roughside E, NT Sri Lanka keelback E, VU Olive keelback Checkered keelback E Jans blind snake E, DD Sri Lanka krait E, NT Indian cobra
Common house gecko Spotted house gecko Beddomes stripe skink E, EN Common skink Bronzegreen little skink Spotted skink E, NT Catenated lankaskink E Common lankaskink E Ganss lankaskink
E, NT E
Bungarus ceylonicus Naja naja Viperidae Daboia russelii Hypnale hypnale Hypnale zara
Greers lankaskink
velop agendas that consider the importance of herpetofauna in maintaining a balanced and healthy ecosystem. There is no doubt that SNR provides habitat for a high number of amphibian and reptiles species (many endemic and Threatened). We affirm that it is one of the most important herpetofaunal diversity areas in Sri Lanka, especially when considering the future conservation of endemic and threatened herpetofauna. Sri Lanka is known as an important herpetofaunal global hotspot (Bossuyt et al. 2004; Gunawardene et al. 2007; Meegaskumbura et al. 2002; Pethiyagoda 2005) and harbors an unusually high number of endemic species. Therefore, scientists and policy makers are strongly encouraged to make efforts conducting further research on other faunal groups, vegetation, and the forests ecosystem as a whole. Furthermore, preserving the valuable herpetofaunal resources of the Uda Mliboda Trail is paramount to the conservation of global biological diversity. Acknowledgments.We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Thasun Amarasinghe (Taprobanica) for reviewing the earlier draft of the manuscript. We also thank Mendis Wickramasinghe (HFS), Aruna Ka058 January 2012 | Volume 5 | Number 2 | e38
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De silVA A. 2009. Amphibians of Sri Lanka: A Photographic Guide to Common Frogs, Toads and Caecilians. Published by the author. 82 plates + 168 p. DuttA sk, MAnAMenDrA-ArAChChi KN. 1996. The Amphibian Fauna of Sri Lanka. Wildlife Heritage Trust of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka. 230 p. FernAnDo P, DAyAWAnsA, n, siriWArDene M. 1994. Bufo kotagamai, a new toad (Bufonidae) from Sri Lanka. Journal of South Asian Natural History 1(1):119-124. Frost Dr, GrAnt t, FAiVoViCh j, BAin rh, hAAs A, hADDAD CFB, De sA r, ChAnninG A, Wilkinson M, DonnellAn sC, rAxWorthy Cj, CAMPBell jA, Blot-to Bl, Moler P, DreWes rC, nussBAuM rA, lynCh jD, Green DM, Wheeler WC. 2006. The amphibian tree of life. Bulletin of American Museum of Natural History 297:1370. GoonAtilAke WlDPts De A, GoonAtilAke MRMPN. 2001. New sight records of Bufo kotagamai (Anura: Bufonidae) from Adavikanda in Eratne and Delwala proposed forest Reserve. Sri Lanka Naturalist 4(4):55-56. GunAtilleke iAun, GunAtilleke CVS. 1990. Distribution of floristic richness and its conservation in Sri Lanka. Conservation Biology 4(1):21-31. GunAWArDene nr, DAniels AeD, GunAtilleke iAun, GunAtilleke CVs, kArunAkArAn PV, nAyAk kG, PrAsAD s, PuyrAVAuD P, rAMesh Br, suBrAMAniAn kA, VAsAnthy G. 2007. A brief overview of the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot. Current Science 93(11):1567-1572. IUCN-SL 2011. Threatened Biodiversity (A coffee table book). IUCN Sri Lanka country office, Colombo, Sri Lanka. 212 p. IUCN-SL, MENR-SL. 2007. The 2007 Red List of Threatened Fauna and Flora of Sri Lanka. IUCN Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka. 148 p. kArunArAthnA DMss, AMArAsinGhe AAt, BAnDArA IN. 2011. A survey of the avifaunal diversity of Samanala Nature Reserve, Sri Lanka, by the Young Zoologists Association of Sri Lanka. Birding Asia 15:84-91. kotAki M, kurABAyAshi A, MAtsui M, kurAMoto M, DjonG th, suMiDA M. 2010. Molecular phylogeny for the diversified frogs of genus Fejervarya (Anura: Discoglossidae). Zoological Science 27(5):386-395. MCCAlluM ML. 2007. Amphibian decline or extinction? Current declines dwarf background extinction rate. Journal of Herpetology 41(3):483-491. MADuWAGe k, silVA A, MAnAMenDrA-ArAChChi k, PethiyAGoDA R. 2009. A taxonomic revision of the South Asian hump-nosed pit vipers (Squamata: Viperidae: Hypnale). Zootaxa 2232:1-28. MAnAMenDrA-ArAChChi k, PethiyAGoDA R. 2005. The Sri Lankan shrub-frogs of the genus Philautus Gistel, 1848 (Ranidae: Rhacophorinae) with description of 27 new species. In: Contribution to Biodiversity Exploration and Research in Sri Lanka. Editors, Yeo DCJ, Ng PKL, Pehiyagoda R. The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement 12:163-303. MAnAMenDrA-ArAChChi k, PethiyAGoDA R. 2006. Sri Lankawe Ubhayajeeween [Amphibians of Sri Lanka]. Wildlife Heritage Trust of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka. 88 plates + 440 p. (Text in Sinhala).
Figure 6. Hydroelectric power plant (note: concrete wall built across the steam and concrete particles dump into the steam).
runathilake, Nadeesh Gamage, Mahesh De Silva (YZA), Prof. Deepthi Yakandawala, Dr. Suranjan Fernando (University of Peradeniya), and other members of the Young Zoologists Association of Sri Lanka (YZA) for various help with this study. Villagers in the Uda Mliboda area are acknowledged for their cooperation, sharing their observations, and logistic support. Finally, we would like to give our special thanks to John Rudge, Daniel Fogell, Kanishka Ukuwela, and Craig Hassapakis (ARC) for reviewing the initial daft of the manuscript and making improvements.
Literature cited
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Manuscript received: 30 November 2011 Accepted: 26 December 2011 Published: 18 January 2012
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INDIKA PEABOTUWAGE is a botanist working at the Department of Botany, University of Peradeniya and has great skill in botanical illustrating. He is a member of the Young Zoologists Association (YZA) and president of the research committee. During his career, he has participated in several national and international training programs. At present, he works on several plant based research projects and conserving the vanishing biodiversity in Sri Lanka.
DINAL SAMARASINGHE is a Sri Lankan herpetologist, wildlife photographer, and member of the Young Zoologists Association (YZA) based at the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka. His research is mainly focused on territoriality, aggressive behavior, and vocal communication in anurans. Presently, he leads a study on systematics, distribution patterns, and ecology of the genus Varanus in India and Sri Lanka. Dinal also works as a venom extractor at the Snake Venom Research Laboratory and Herpetarium (SVRLH), Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.
NUWAN BANDARA is a graduate from the University of Peradeniya, and his scientific exploration of biodiversity began with the Youth Exploration Society of Sri Lanka (YES) in late 1990. As a member and former president of YES, he is conducting biodiversity conservation and education programs for the Sri Lankan community. His specific fields of research interest are ecosystem services, community-based conservation, traditional agricultural practices, ethnobotany, and local biodiversity and behavioral ecology of herpetofauna and other wild fauna.
NIRMALA PERERA is a naturalist and has had a special interest in amphibians and reptiles ever since his childhood. He conducts various conservation events on biodiversity restoration and education programs for the local community and as an environmentalist, he is engaged in numerous snake rescue programs. He is a member of the Young Zoologists Association (YZA), National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka and currently works as a project manager (Human-Elephant Conflict Program, Udawalawe) for the Born Free Foundation, Sri Lanka country office.
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MAJINTHA MADAWALA is a naturalist and conducts several habitat restoration programs in many forest areas. He began his career and wildlife interests in 1995 as a member of the Young Zoologists Association (YZA), National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka. He holds a Diploma in biodiversity management from the University of Colombo. As a conservationist, he is engaged in numerous snake rescue programs and funding for ongoing research projects.
DUSHANTHA KANDAMBI is a researcher conducting and supporting investigations on amphibians and reptiles. He is also engaged in a captive breeding program on threatened species and rescue events. Additionally, he promotes conservation awareness of the importance of snake fauna among the Sri Lankan community. He is a wildlife artist and photographer enjoying nature.
CHAMARA AMARASINGHE is a researcher interested in fauna and flora of Sri Lanka. He has a keen interest in freshwater ichthyofauna, butterflies, birds, marine mammals, and bats. He is a wildlife artist and photographer engaged with the Youth Exploration Society of Sri Lanka (YES). He started his passion to explore much of the islands rare and endangered animals at a very young age. Currently, he is working as a naturalist at Jetwing Blue, a prestigious tourist hotel in Sri Lanka.
SURANJAN KARUNARATHNA is a field biologist conducing research on amphibian and reptile ecology, and promoting conservation awareness of the importance of biodiversity among the Sri Lankan community. He began his career and wildlife research in 2000, as a member of the Young Zoologists Association (YZA), National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka. He worked as an ecologist for the IUCN Sri Lanka county office and is an active member of many specialist groups in the IUCN/SSC.
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